Evaluation of the Antiulcer Activity of Ethanolic Leave Extracts of Saraca indica against Ethanol, Pylorus Ligature and Indomethacin Induced Ulcer in Albino Rats

Background: To evaluate the antiulcer activity of ethanolic leaves extract of Saraca indica against ethanol, pylorus ligature and indomethacin in albino rats. Materials and Methods: Ulcer was produced by ethanol, pylorus ligature and indomethacin in albino rats. Five groups (n=6) of rats were orally pre-treated with carboxymethyl cellulose solution, and ranitidine (80 mg/kg) respectively. In ethanol induced ulcer, the animals were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg b.w. ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica in 0.3% CMC solution, 60 minutes before oral administration of absolute ethanol to produce gastric mucosal injury. In indomethacin induced ulcer, the drug was administered orally at the dose of 30 mg/kg b.w. After 7-9 hours of administration of indomethacin (30 mg/kg); the animals were sacrificed with high doses of anesthesia. In the pylorus ligature method, volume of free acidity, gastric secretion, pH and total acidity were estimated. In all three models, the ulcer index and % protection were estimated. Results: The anti ulcer activity of ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica in ethanol, indomethacin and pylorus ligature models is evident from the significant (P<0.001) reduction in ulcer index. In pylorus ligature model, significant (P<0.001) reduction in total acidity gastric volume and increase in pH were observed when compared with the standard drug. Conclusion: Ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica were found to be significantly protective against ethanol, indomethacin and pylorus ligature induced gastric ulcers in the experimental albino rats. The result obtained suggest that ethanolic leave extracts of Saraca indica possesses significant anti-ulcer activity.